In a stark revelation by the Yale Budget Lab, the reshaping of U.S. trade policies has led us into uncharted territory—a staggering average effective tariff rate of 17.8%, the highest since the dark days of the Great Depression in 1934. This isn’t merely a statistical anomaly; it’s an indicator of an underlying challenge that American
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As the gears of legislation begin to grind within the House Ways and Means Committee, the urgency surrounding President Trump’s tax agenda can hardly be overstated. This process doesn’t merely denote routine governance; it embodies a high-stakes power play that encapsulates what is at the heart of American economic policy. With Congress firmly gripped by
Political decisions often encapsulate the very essence of societal values as they determine who bears the financial burden during times of economic difficulty. Recently, former President Donald Trump has thrown the Republican Party into a state of shock by suggesting a return to pre-2018 tax rates for the wealthiest Americans — a proposal that seems
In today’s world, job hunting is turning into one of the greatest ironies of our age. Despite a seemingly thriving economy, punctuated by a low unemployment rate of 4.2% and hiring beyond forecast expectations, job seekers are feeling more stranded than ever. The layoff rate is also at a historical low, suggesting job security; however,
Inflation is a word that has cast a long shadow over the American economy, conjuring images of rising prices and shrinking purchasing power. While the Federal Reserve clings to its target inflation rate as if it were the Holy Grail, some unexpected developments in the market suggest that not all is bleak in the consumer
In an unexpected revival of previously suspended financial practices, the recent decision by the Trump Administration to resume aggressive collection efforts on defaulted student loans has sent shockwaves through the borrower community. After nearly five years of relative silence on this front — during which relief measures were largely prioritized due to the pandemic —
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently made a controversial adjustment regarding the withholding rate for overpayments, shifting from a staggering 100% to 50% for certain Title II beneficiaries. While this reduction seems positive on the surface, for many individuals relying on these benefits, the situation remains dire. The decision has sparked conversations about the
The IRS has announced an increase in the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2026, with self-only health coverage now capped at $4,400—a meager rise from $4,300 in 2025. The family coverage limit will see a more pronounced increase, jumping from $8,550 to $8,750. While these adjustments, however slight, may seem helpful on
The state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, instituted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, has come under scrutiny as debates heat up around the future of President Donald Trump’s policy agenda. Set at a restrictive $10,000, this limit has created a significant disparity in tax deductions, particularly benefiting higher-income earners.
In today’s tumultuous financial landscape, gold shines as a beacon of security for many investors. With skyrocketing prices, gold has not only maintained its historical status as a safe haven during economic uncertainty but has also emerged as a potentially lucrative investment. However, beneath this shiny veneer lies an alarming facet that could significantly diminish